Gallbladder duplication diagnostic and surgical implications: Case report and classification synthesis

Background Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1 in 3,000–4,000 live births. While often asymptomatic and incidentally detected, its recognition is critical in surgical settings to prevent bile duct injury. Preoperative imaging, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and computed tomography (CT), plays a vital role in diagnosis, anatomical classification, and surgical planning. Case Presentation A 27-year-old woman presented with a two-month history of recurrent epigastric pain radiating to the right hypochondrium. Ultrasound revealed two gallbladders with gallstones, and MRCP confirmed a Type I duplication without acute cholecystitis or biliary dilation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed two adjacent gallbladders draining through a single cystic duct. The procedure was performed with careful dissection of Calot's triangle to achieve the critical view of safety. Both gallbladders were removed without the need for intraoperative cholangiography. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery, with complete symptom resolution. Conclusion Gallbladder duplication is an uncommon anatomical variant that may be overlooked in routine imaging. Accurate preoperative identification is essential to minimize bile duct injury and ensure optimal surgical planning. MRCP offers high diagnostic accuracy and is especially useful when biliary anomalies are suspected.